Maternal and Child Health Resource Repository

In observance of National Hispanic Heritage Month, this conversation focuses on how Chester County Hospital in Pennsylvania deployed bilingual volunteers to learn how to address disparate patient outcomes driven by barriers to care such as food insecurity and transportation issues within its Hispanic patient population.

In this conversation, Jennifer Cohen, M.D., medical director of the Newborn/Infant Intensive Care Unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, King of Prussia, and Katie Costantini, director of maternal care services at Chester County Hospital, discuss the barriers that can affect maternal care in Hispanic populations, and how deploying bilingual volunteers provided the opportunity to learn what worked and what could be improved.

The AHA this week launched refreshed webpages dedicated to maternal and child health.

Some pediatric and adolescent patients are considered to have medical complexity — multiple conditions that require numerous health care service lines. In today's new Caring for Our Kids episode, explore how Children's Hospital Colorado has designed seamless care for medically complex kids and their families.

In today's new Caring for Our Kids episode, explore how Children's Hospital Colorado designed seamless care for medically complex kids and their families.

Improving maternal and infant health in the U.S. is a priority for the AHA and our member hospitals and health systems. While the field has made progress, we are continuing to work toward reducing health disparities.

Hospitals, health systems, clinicians and their community partners are dedicated to improving care for mothers and infants.

Child and Adolescent Health: Resources from the FieldAlong with hospitals and health care system, communities and stakeholders are essential partners in creating a lasting impact on the health of children and adolescents.

Plenty of babies and parents leave the hospital with a few gifts, whether it’s a signature onesie or an extra pack of diapers. But for those leaving University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, the “Readiness Bag” is not just for the body, but for the mind.

To address preventable obstetric issues, Houston Methodist strengthens protocols with simulation training and communication tools like TeamSTEPPS.

Disparities in health outcomes must be addressed during childhood.

Engaging patients, family members, and communities to design care that meets their priorities and needs.

Vaccines prevent kids from contracting viruses.

Non-medical social factors can have a significant impact on a pregnant person’s health and well-being. These AHA resources highlight how hospitals can address their patients' social needs to achieve better health outcomes.

Maternal Mental HealthMental health and substance use issues are the leading underlying causes of maternal morbidity and mortality. Maternal mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder are the most prominent complications of pregnancy, child birth, and postpartum; affecting 1 in 5 women. According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women experience postpartum depression, and 50% of them are untreated.

Infant mortality rate in the U.S is on a rise. These resources showcase ways hospitals and health systems are preventing infant mortality within and outside hospital walls.

Rural populations have limited access and availability of quality maternity care. With many labor and delivery units closing, hospitals and health systems are exploring various ways to provide maternity care. AHA highlights stories from rural hospitals below.

A comprehensive and coordinated care approach among health care professionals can improve health outcomes. Resources below highlight ways hospitals and health systems are implementing various perspectives and skillsets to meet the needs of mothers and families.

In this webinar, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital and Corewell Health Children’s discuss evidence-based practices and protocols emergency departments can implement to address the needs of children experiencing the impact of disasters.

Using digital strategies can expand reach of care and meet people where they are. These AHA resources explore the use of technology and digital solutions to improve maternal health outcomes.